Italian school; second half of the 17th century.

Italian school; second half of the 17th century.
"Moses brings forth the Manna".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 80 x 132 cm; 88,5 x 142 cm (frame).
This oil on canvas, realized by an artist of the Italian school of the XVII century, represents a biblical passage of great transcendence: the moment in which Moses intercedes before God so that the manna descends from the sky, providing food to the people of Israel during their journey through the desert.
The composition is articulated in two different planes. In the first, we observe a group of figures in a somber and dramatic atmosphere. A woman in luxurious clothes stands out, holding a chubby child, symbol of innocence and need, while another female figure bends down with a protective gesture. To the right, two male figures, in semi-darkness, contemplate the scene with an expression of uncertainty and expectation. This arrangement creates a marked contrast between the suffering humanity and the hope represented by the miracle.
In the background, framed by a landscape of dramatic skies and a vibrant atmosphere, Moses, robed and majestic, appears as the divine intermediary. His figure stands at the center of the action, arms outstretched in supplication, as manna begins to descend from heaven. Surrounding him, groups of figures are stirred into a frenzy of devotion and need, highlighting the impact of the miracle.
This painting embodies the pictorial ideals of the Italian Baroque school, characterized by its dynamism, theatricality and masterful use of chiaroscuro. The influence of Caravaggio's tenebrism can be perceived in the strong illumination of the figures in the foreground, while the depth of the landscape and the fluidity of the drapery recall the Venetian heritage of artists such as Paolo Veronese and Tintoretto.
The rich and vibrant coloring, typical of Italian baroque, reinforces the expressiveness of the scene. Intense reds and golds create an effect of visual richness, while dark and earth tones contrast with the illuminated skies in the background, accentuating the sense of depth.
The treatment of the figures suggests the hand of a painter with solid academic training, possibly influenced by the great masters of the Bolognese school such as Guido Reni or Guercino. The emphatic gestures, the smoothly modeled bodies and the integration of landscape and figure reveal a remarkable technical mastery, although certain irregularities in the execution suggest the intervention of a workshop or disciples.
In conclusion, Moses Makes the Manna Flow is not only an emotionally charged biblical representation, but also a piece that synthesizes the essential qualities of the Italian school of the 17th century: a masterful use of color, a dynamic composition and a profound narrative sense that elevates the painting to an almost theatrical level.